LANDOVER, Md.​​ — The Eagles opened their season with a 30-17 win over Washington. Here are some instant observations.

* It was a gutty performance by the defense. Brandon Graham sealed the victory with a sack of Kirk Cousins with under two minutes left. Fletcher Cox recovered the fumble and scampered 20 yards into the end zone for a touchdown. The officials reviewed the call but did not overturn it.

* Earlier in the fourth quarter, just when it looked like Washington was going to take the lead, Jalen Mills came up with a big interception in the red zone. Washington was down, 19-17, and in field goal range when Jim Schwartz sent a huge blitz. Cousins sailed his throw, and Mills was there to collect. On the next possession, the Eagles forced a three-and-out.

* Carson Wentz finished 26-for-39 for 307 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. He had ups and downs but was brilliant at times. Wentz spun out of pressure and connected with Nelson Agholor for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter. In the fourth, he spun out of another sack and connected with Zach Ertz for a 23-yard gain down the left sideline. Wentz was off-target on some throws, including the backwards pass to Agholor that resulted in a fumble in the first quarter. But overall, he made a lot of plays.

* Ronald Darby went down with a right ankle injury in the second quarter. The team should provide an official update soon, but Darby was carted off, and the replays did not look good. Patrick Robinson replaced Darby in the Eagles’ base defense. In nickel, Jaylen Watkins played left corner, and Robinson slid inside.

* The Agholor comeback story got off to a good start. The third-year wide receiver finished with six catches for 86 yards, including the 58-yard touchdown. Coaches and teammates praised Agholor this summer, and he started his season on the right foot against Washington.

* Wentz was 8-for-8 for 93 yards when targeting Ertz. … LeGarrette Blount led the Eagles with 14 carries and finished with 46 yards. No other Eagle had more than four carries. … Malcolm Jenkins finished with four tackles, but it felt like he was everywhere. Washington tight end Jordan Reed finished with five catches for 36 yards. His longest reception was 9 yards. … The Eagles will go to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs next Sunday.

Top photo: Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports

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Sheil Kapadia is the lead writer for The Athletic Philadelphia. He previously covered the Seattle Seahawks for ESPN. Before that, Sheil covered the Eagles for Philadelphia Magazine's Birds 24/7 site and served as a writer/editor at Philly.com. Follow Sheil on Twitter @SheilKapadia.